ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA, the national office representing nearly 170 Catholic Charities agencies nationwide, hosted leaders from local agencies to meet with their legislators and call on them to support innovative and effective reform of the social safety net.

With continued focus on the budget debate in Washington, the annual Hill Day visits provided executive leadership of Catholic Charities agencies the opportunity to illustrate the impact of federal budget cuts to those in their local communities who are suffering the most and seek out the services of their local agency. In addition, agencies encouraged their elected officials to support new and innovative approaches to reducing poverty in America.

"Local communities are not shielded from the across the board federal budget cuts known as the sequester. This is particularly true of those who are struggling to climb a ladder out of poverty and into opportunity," said Candy S. Hill, Senior Vice President of Social Policy and Government Affairs at Catholic Charities USA. "By coming to our nation's capital and having in-person meetings with their representatives and senators, our agencies' leaders are ensuring the real-life stories of the hungry, homeless, and all those in need are a part of these ongoing discussions."

Numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate there are more than 46 million Americans living under the federal poverty line, highlighting the need for a new approach to the social safety net system that has not been substantively reformed since its introduction in the 1960s. Catholic Charities USA and its members encouraged their elected representatives to support the much-needed reforms that are being pioneered by local communities across America.

In CCUSA's latest quarterly snapshot survey, local agencies reported that cuts to federal spending will force them to serve fewer clients, particularly those needing basic needs assistance and refugee services.

About Catholic Charities USACatholic Charities USA is the national office for Catholic Charities agencies nationwide.

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing.